Focalin emotional side effects


Focalin (Dexmethylphenidate) - Side Effects, Interactions, Uses, Dosage, Warnings

uses

What is Focalin (Dexmethylphenidate) used for?

  • Attention Deficit Disorder

warnings

What is the most important information I should know about Focalin (Dexmethylphenidate)?

You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to dexmethylphenidate or methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta).

Stimulants have caused stroke, heart attack, and sudden death in certain people. Tell your doctor if you have:

  • heart problems or a congenital heart defect;
  • high blood pressure; or
  • a family history of heart disease or sudden death.

Do not use dexmethylphenidate if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine.

Tell your doctor if you also use opioid medicine, herbal products, or medicine for depression, mental illness, Parkinson's disease, migraine headaches, serious infections, or prevention of nausea and vomiting. An interaction with dexmethylphenidate could cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome.

Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has ever had:

  • depression, mental illness, bipolar disorder, psychosis, or suicidal thoughts or actions;
  • blood circulation problems in the hands or feet; or
  • alcoholism or drug addiction.

Becoming dependent on this medicine during pregnancy can cause premature birth or low birth weight. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of dexmethylphenidate on the baby.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

Not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 years old.

Side Effects

What are the side effects of Focalin (Dexmethylphenidate)?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: fever; hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • signs of heart problems--chest pain, trouble breathing, feeling like you might pass out;
  • signs of psychosis--hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real), new thought or behavior problems, aggression, hostility, paranoia;
  • signs of circulation problems--numbness, pain, cold feeling, unexplained wounds, or skin color changes (pale, red, or blue appearance) in your fingers or toes; or
  • penis erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer.

Seek medical attention right away if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as: agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Dexmethylphenidate can affect growth in children. Your child's height and weight may need to be checked often. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate.

Common side effects may include:

  • loss of appetite;
  • nausea, stomach pain; or
  • fever.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Can I take Focalin (Dexmethylphenidate) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

C

Risk cannot be ruled out

Based on FDA pregnancy categories

Becoming dependent on this medicine during pregnancy can cause premature birth or low birth weight. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of dexmethylphenidate on the baby.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

Interactions

What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Focalin (Dexmethylphenidate)?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Dosage Guidelines & Tips

How to take Focalin (Dexmethylphenidate)?

Use Focalin (Dexmethylphenidate) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

What should I do if I missed a dose of Focalin (Dexmethylphenidate)?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Overdose Signs

What happens if I overdose on Focalin (Dexmethylphenidate)?

Overdose symptoms may include dry mouth, vomiting, agitation, tremor, muscle twitches, confusion, hallucinations, dilated pupils, muscle pain or weakness, fever, sweating, headache, pounding in your neck or ears, fast or pounding heartbeats, seizure (convulsions), or coma.

If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on: Focalin (Dexmethylphenidate),  call your doctor or the Poison Control center

(800) 222-1222

If someone collapses or isn't breathing after taking Focalin (Dexmethylphenidate), call 911

911

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